USA
UK
Canada
AustraliaThe average cost of studying in Canada for Indian students in 2026 ranges from CAD 20,000 to CAD 40,000/year for tuition, plus CAD 10,000-15,000 for living expenses. The GIC requirement is CAD 23,448 (2026 IRCC minimum). Use this calculator for a province-wise budget estimate.
Cost of Studying in Canada Calculator 2026
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Proof of Funds — what IRCC requires in 2026
For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, you must demonstrate living funds at this threshold (in addition to year-1 tuition and travel). Quebec uses a higher MIFI baseline of CAD 24,617 for single adults effective January 1, 2026.
| Family unit size | Annual living funds (CAD) | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (you) | CAD 23,448 | ₹15.87 L |
| 2 persons | CAD 29,192 | ₹19.76 L |
| 3 persons | CAD 35,888 | ₹24.29 L |
| 4 persons | CAD 43,572 | ₹29.49 L |
| 5 persons | CAD 49,419 | ₹33.45 L |
| 6 persons | CAD 55,736 | ₹37.72 L |
| 7 persons | CAD 62,054 | ₹42.00 L |
Each additional dependent beyond 7 adds CAD 6,170. Quebec applicants: see CAQ requirements — the MIFI threshold is CAD 24,617 per adult. INR values at 1 CAD = ₹67.68 (live rate, cached 24h).
Average international tuition by province
Gut-check your calculator estimate against the national averages. Program-level pricing varies significantly from these means — engineering, medicine, and MBAs run materially higher.
| Province | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | CAD 49,802 ₹33.71 L | CAD 28,624 ₹19.37 L |
| British Columbia | CAD 39,851 ₹26.97 L | CAD 26,607 ₹18.01 L |
| Quebec | CAD 34,258 ₹23.19 L | CAD 25,413 ₹17.20 L |
| Alberta | CAD 33,435 ₹22.63 L | CAD 24,802 ₹16.79 L |
| Saskatchewan | CAD 31,540 ₹21.35 L | CAD 23,397 ₹15.84 L |
| Manitoba | CAD 23,000 ₹15.57 L | CAD 19,800 ₹13.40 L |
| Nova Scotia | CAD 27,973 ₹18.93 L | CAD 23,870 ₹16.16 L |
| New Brunswick | CAD 21,650 ₹14.65 L | CAD 21,787 ₹14.75 L |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | CAD 18,867 ₹12.77 L | CAD 6,964 ₹4.71 L |
Why the GIC still matters after SDS closed
SDS ended Nov 8, 2024
The expedited Student Direct Stream is closed. Every Indian applicant now goes through standard processing — 8–12 week timelines instead of 20 days.
GIC is not mandatory, but…
Under standard processing, visa officers scrutinize the provenance and stability of your funds. A Canadian GIC irrefutably proves liquid assets cleared AML checks.
Budget ≥ the baseline
If your empirical living cost (from this calculator) exceeds the CAD 23,448 baseline, lock the higher figure in your GIC. Thin margins trigger refusals.
Clear your language test before the application opens
Canadian DLIs, PGWP, and Express Entry all require a recognized English score. IELTS is the universal option; CELPIP is accepted in-Canada for PR. Start prep now — most EEC students score Band 7+ within 8 weeks.
Continue your Canada research
Four tools and pages that most students use alongside this calculator.
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